Whirlpool electric tanks have two heating elements — upper and lower. When an element fails, that section of the tank stops heating.
Symptoms by failed element
| Symptom | Likely failed element |
|---|---|
| No hot water | Upper element (or thermostat) |
| Lukewarm | Lower element (or thermostat) |
| Breaker trips | Element shorted to ground |
| Hot water runs out fast | Lower element failed |
Test with multimeter
- Turn off breaker
- Remove access panel; disconnect element wires
- Continuity test: probes on both terminals
- Healthy 4500W: 10-16 ohms
- Open circuit = burned out
- Short to ground (terminal to tank reading) = shorted
Replacement
- Turn off breaker
- Close cold supply; open hot tap; drain enough water below the element
- Disconnect wires (note positions)
- Use element wrench (1.5" hex) — counter-clockwise
- Discard old element + gasket
- Install new element + new gasket; finger-tight + quarter-turn (don\'t overtighten)
- Reconnect wires
- Open cold supply; purge air at hot tap
- Restore breaker
Cost
- 4500W screw-in element: $15-30
- Element wrench (one-time): $15-30
- Pro replacement: $150-300
Bottom line
Test before replacing. Most common Whirlpool electric tank repair. $30 part + 30 min.